December 2, 2025 In Newsroom By WACSI
Third West Africa Civil Society Week Sees Over 200 Leaders Unite for Democratic Resilience
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[Accra, Ghana – 1 December 2025] -More than two hundred civil society leaders, activists, policymakers and development partners from across West Africa and beyond convened in Accra on 19 and 20 November for the third West Africa Civil Society Week.
The event provided a regional platform for reflection on democratic resilience, civic freedoms, and the evolving role of civil society amid growing political and security challenges.
Held under the theme “Redefining Civil Society and the Future of Democratic Resilience in West Africa,” the gathering was hosted by the West Africa Civil Society Institute in partnership with Spaces for Change.
It was organised under the auspices of the Civic Space Resource Hub for civil society organisations in West Africa with support from the Ford Foundation.
The week reaffirmed the central role of civil society in protecting civic freedoms, strengthening governance and advancing people-centred development across the region.
Dr Nana Asantewaa Afadzinu is delivering her opening remarks.
In her opening remarks, Dr Nana Asantewa Afadzinu, Executive Director, West Africa Civil Society Institute (WACSI), highlighted the resilience of civic actors operating in increasingly constrained environments. “Civic space across the region remains under severe pressure. Yet West Africans are not silent. They are raising their voices, often at personal risk,” she said. Her remarks set a tone of urgency and solidarity that resonated throughout the convening.
Keynote speaker His Excellency Dr Mohamed Ibn Chambas, African Union High Representative for Silencing the Guns, delivered a critical assessment of the region’s democratic trajectory.
He drew attention to the implications of Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger withdrawing from ECOWAS, arguing that their exit exposes deep fractures in regional cohesion and shared identity.
Reflecting on public dissatisfaction, he observed, “Too often, our democracies have been reduced to periodic elections, noisy and competitive, yes, but disconnected from the everyday struggles of the people.”
Despite these concerns, he said optimism remains justified. Citing Afrobarometer data, he reminded participants that nearly two-thirds of Africans still prefer democracy over other forms of governance.
He urged civil society to strengthen its role, stating, “Civil society is both conscience and catalyst. You are the early warners of storm clouds, the advocates for accountability, and the builders of resilient and democratic societies.”
One of the thirteen panel sessions.
Thirteen Sessions, Hundreds of Insights, One Goal
Across thirteen thematic panels, participants examined the issues shaping civic life and governance in West Africa. Discussions focused on civil society legitimacy, peace and security, justice, regional economic integration, digital repression, misinformation, polarisation, youth leadership and cross-border organising.
The sessions underscored a common view that civil society must adapt, innovate and collaborate more strategically to defend civic freedoms and shape the region’s democratic future.
Prof Charles Ukeje delivering a summary of Day 1 sessions
Speakers emphasised that civil society’s sustainability is as critical as its advocacy. Governance expert Prof Charles Ukeje remarked, “Funding is necessary but not sufficient for sustainability,” adding, “Together we are stronger as a civil society instead of competing among us.” His comments reinforced the importance of unity in addressing shared challenges.
Grace Maingi, Executive Director of the Kenya Community Development Foundation, called for a shift in the sector’s approach to financial independence. “For us to bring meaningful change, we must have our own money; we must not depend on other people’s money,” she said. She urged a mindset shift, adding, “We must start having a change of mind.” She further encouraged deeper collaboration with business leaders, stating, “We must engage with the private sector in a way that they would understand.”
Dr Ebrima Sall, Executive Director of TrustAfrica, echoed the call for self-reliance and collective support. “We don’t wait until we are rich to share what we have to support each other,” he said. He added, “Africa is rich; we have so many assets and expertise.” His remarks challenged long-standing narratives about the continent’s capacity.
Omolara Balogun during a panel discussion
Omolara Balogun, Head, Policy Influencing and Advocacy at WACSI, underscored the political nature of civil society work. “There is nothing that civil society organisations are responding to that is not politically connected,” she said, highlighting the need for strategic political navigation.
Other regional and international partners that supported the convening included the West Africa Democracy Solidarity Network, Women in Law and Development in Africa, West Africa Office, Katutu Civil Rights Centre, AfricTivistes, the EU System for an Enabling Environment for Civil Society and the Edward Francis Small Centre for Rights and Justice. Their support underscored a collective regional commitment to protecting civic space, expanding democratic participation and strengthening systems of accountability across West Africa.
The third West Africa Civil Society Week concluded with a renewed call for unity, innovation and unwavering commitment to civic freedoms. Participants agreed that the future of democracy in West Africa rests on a vibrant, principled and adaptive civil society capable of confronting threats and seizing emerging opportunities.
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